I wandered past the buddleia bush today with camera in hand, and half-raised it to point at a Red Admiral that was flittering past, before deciding it was too far away to make a good photo. Then I looked down, and this chap landed approximately three inches from the camera lens and began... well. Posing. Flexing his proboscis, strutting with his little spiky legs and waving his stalkeyes. So I photographed him.

I gave up doing the Big Butterfly Count, it seemed to guarantee that all butterflies would go into deep hiding for the duration, causing me much woe and stress, then they would all come out again afterwards. Yes, I know there is NO logic there...

We too have unusual numbers of Admirals this year, but far fewer peacocks and torties.